Good morning, Illini fans. Here’s what you need to know today.
🏈 The big story
Illinois football is officially in game week territory
The countdown is getting real. Illinois is now just nine days from opening the 2026 season against UAB, and the program is making its final preparations for another season with significant expectations.
The Illini enter the season coming off back-to-back 9+ win campaigns and a preseason AP ranking of No. 33 — just outside the Top 25.
Bret Bielema has already named six team captains, while Illinois also announced several changes fans will notice around Gies Memorial Stadium this fall. The biggest questions now center on how quickly the new-look defense comes together and what Katin Houser can provide at quarterback.
The first answers come Sept. 3 against UAB.
⚽ Soccer
Illinois remains unbeaten at 1-0-2 after Sunday’s scoreless draw with UIC. The Illini return to action Thursday against Saint Louis at 6 p.m. CT.
🏐 Volleyball
The season opener is Friday. Illinois hosts Cincinnati at Huff Hall at 7 p.m. CT before welcoming Syracuse on Sunday.
📅 Coming up
• Thursday: Soccer vs. Saint Louis, 6 p.m.
• Friday: Volleyball vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m.
• Sunday: Volleyball vs. Syracuse, noon
• Sept. 3: Football vs. UAB